A crude extract from Fusarium oxysprum caused significant cell apoptosis in suspension cultures of Taxus chinensis var. mairei as determined by transmission electron microscopy, DNA gel electrophoresis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick labeling (TUNEL) analysis. Cells of T chinensis var. mairei responded to the fungal elicitors by altering the general phenylpropanoid pathway and affecting the biosynthesis of taxol. The activity Of L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) increased appreciably within the first 36 h of elicitor treatment, and then decreased rapidly. A large quantity of phenolic compounds accumulated in the culture medium. The maximum concentration of taxol was three times higher than that of the control. Cell apoptosis and taxol production are closely relevant in elicitor-treated culture of T. chinensis var. mairei. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.